If you’re a fan of both Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers, then you’ll love the Dachshund Golden Retriever mix! With the combination of the two highly popular dog breeds, it’s no wonder the Golden Dox is adored by many.
The crossbreed of the Dachshund and Golden Retriever may seem unlikely due to their differences in size and personality, but they create an amazing hybrid pup with a complementing combination of behaviors.
This article discusses everything you need to know about the Golden Doxie, including its appearance, personality, and care requirements. If you want to learn more about this designer dog, get your notes ready!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 10 – 23 inches |
| Weight: | 30 – 60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 14 years |
| Coat Colors: | Light/dark gold, red, tan, brown, black |
| Temperament: | Loyal, playful, outgoing, intelligent |
| Suitable for: | Active families with children; house with a large fenced-in yard; experienced pet owners |
What Is a Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix?
A Dachshund Golden Retriever mix is a small to medium-sized dog with a distinct appearance that resembles both its Dachshund and Golden Retriever parents. Its personality is a blend of being needy and loyal, stubborn but intelligent, and independent but affectionate.
Since a mixed breed possesses a combination of genes from both purebred parents, the appearance and temperament of a Dachshund Golden Retriever mix can be a bit difficult to predict.
It can resemble either of the two parents in terms of looks or personality due to the randomness of the genes it may inherit.
Nevertheless, the Golden Dox is an adorable mixed breed that is renowned for its cuddly and affectionate traits. As such, it makes a great addition to any family looking for a loving and loyal companion.
Other Names of the Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix
The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is called by different names, mainly because of its Dachshund parent, which earned several nicknames through the years.
Here’s a list of other names of the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix:
- Dachshund Golden Retriever mix
- Golden Dachshund
- Golden Dox
- Golden Doxie
- Golden Retriever Weiner Dog mix
- Wiener Dog Golden Retriever mix
- Golden Wiener Dog
- Golden Weiner
- Golden Sausage Dog
All aliases only differ in the Dachshund name. Dox, Doxie, Wiener Dog, and Sausage Dog are only a few of the many names Dachshunds are affectionately called, which are adopted by the Golden Doxie.
Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix Origin and History
Like most mixed breeds, the origin and history of the Dachshund Golden Retriever mix are not well-documented. Nonetheless, both its parents are well-known and have proper documentation of origin.
Originating from Germany in the 1500s, the Dachshund is bred to hunt small animals like badgers. It only gained popularity as a house pet in the 1800s and was recognized as a breed in 1885 by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
On the other hand, the Golden Retriever originated in Scotland in the 1800s. It’s bred to retrieve waterfowl like ducks and made to have a soft mouth to not damage the birds.
The Golden Retriever made its way to the United States and was officially recognized by the AKC in 1925.
Due to their promising qualities and popularity, both Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers have been mixed with other breeds in an attempt to create better versions of the breeds, such as the Golden Dachshund.
Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix Appearance
The Golden Dachshund has no standard when it comes to appearance, and its look can vary depending on the specific characteristics of the Golden Retriever and Dachshund that are bred together.
For instance, the Golden Dox may take after the physical appearance of the American, English, or Canadian Golden Retriever. It may also resemble any coat type of the Dachshund, such as smooth, wired, or long-haired.
Generally, most Dachshund Golden Retriever mixes inherit the thick tail and bone structure from their Golden Retriever parent. Meanwhile, the short legs, elongated body, and floppy ears are from the Dachshund.
Additionally, this hybrid mostly inherits the head shape and facial features of the Golden Retriever, including the wide skull. It commonly looks like a Dachshund with a Golden Retriever’s head.
When it comes to coat colors, it may take after any of the parents’ dominant colors. It also usually has a double coat that lightly or moderately sheds throughout the year.
Check out this short clip of a Golden Dachshund in action:
Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix Size and Weight
It’s impossible to predict how big Dachshund Golden Retriever mixes will get. However, due to the size difference of its parents, this mixed breed mostly comes in between small and medium.
In general, the Golden Dachshund’s height ranges from 10 to 23 inches, and it has an average weight of 30 to 60 pounds, with males tending to be a bit bulkier and more muscular than females.
In rare cases, Golden Doxies may weigh more than 60 pounds if they inherit more of the size of their Golden Retriever parent.
Further, its full-grown size and weight will depend on the specific genetics of the parent breeds and may vary from one pup to another, considering that both Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds come in different sizes.
Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix Temperament and Personality
As Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers have contrasting temperaments and personalities, the Dachshund Golden Retriever mix exhibits an interesting combination of the behavior of its parent breeds.
This hybrid pup is known for being friendly, loyal, and affectionate. It inherits the Golden Retriever’s outgoing nature and the Dachshund’s energetic behavior. This pup is playful and loves being around people.
Despite this, the Golden Wiener tends to display independence if it inherits this specific trait of the Doxie. It also tends to become aggressive, but this can be easily avoided with early socialization and training.
The Golden Dachshund is also intelligent, a trait it inherits from both Doxies and Goldens. However, it can be stubborn at times. It may need extra encouragement and motivation in training to learn new things.
Additionally, as an offspring of two hunting breeds, this pup can have a high prey drive. It tends to chase small animals like squirrels and birds, so you may need to have a fenced yard to prevent it from wandering.
This dog is also loud and barks at anything or anyone it sees approaching the house’s vicinity to alert its owner. This makes the Golden Wiener a good watchdog.
With enough love, care, and proper training, the Dachshund Golden Retriever mix makes a great family companion.
Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Dachshund Golden Retriever mix has a long lifespan of 10 to 14 years. This is common among mixed breeds because genetic disorders are commonly bred out during the process.
However, this does not mean that they are immune to certain diseases or health problems.
Take a look at this list of health issues a Dachshund Golden Retriever mix is susceptible to:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Due to their short and elongated body, IVDD or slipped disc is a common condition among Golden Doxes wherein discs between the vertebrae of the spine burst or bulge. This can cause various symptoms, such as reluctance to move, difficulty rising, and crying out in pain.
- Epilepsy: This is a common condition among Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds, which can be passed on to the Golden Wiener. This neurological disorder is characterized by recurrent seizures that can vary in intensity and duration. Your dog may experience sudden collapse, muscle stiffness, and uncontrollable movements.
- Ear Infections: Ear infections are common among dogs with large, floppy ears like Golden Doxies. Some signs and symptoms you should watch out for include constant headshaking or scratching, swelling and redness, unpleasant odor, and the presence of black stuff inside the ear.
To ensure that your Dachshund Golden Retriever mix minimizes the development of these conditions, visit your veterinarian regularly. It might also help to invest in pet insurance to help with the medical cost.
How to Take Care of Your Golden Dox
When owning a Golden Dox, it’s important to be aware of the basic care requirements needed to keep your furry companion happy and healthy.
The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix has everyday needs that must be met to maintain its physical and mental well-being. These needs include proper nutrition, grooming, training, and exercise.
Food and Diet
It’s important to feed your Golden Weiner a high-quality and well-balanced diet appropriate for its age, size, and activity level.
This dog is prone to obesity, so carefully planning its meal and feeding schedule is necessary to ensure that it only gets the right amount of daily nutrients.
You also need to monitor your Golden Doxie’s food intake and adjust its diet as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
There are many dog foods to choose from, including wet or canned food, dry food or kibble, biologically appropriate raw food (BARF), and a home-cooked diet.
If you are unsure what’s best for your pooch, seek the veterinarian’s advice so they can provide you with a proper diet plan.
Cleaning and Grooming
It’s recommended to bring your Golden Doxie to a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks for bathing, haircut, and nail trimming. However, you can always groom your pet at home.
If its coat is more on the shorter side, brushing it twice a week is ideal. If it’s medium-length, you need to brush it daily to prevent fur matting and minimize shedding.
In addition, it’s important to brush the teeth of your Golden Dachshund at least three times a week to prevent dental issues.
Since this hybrid is prone to ear infections, it’s advised to clean its ear and check for possible signs of irritation, infection, and parasites. This is best done once a week to ensure the Golden Dox doesn’t develop this condition.
Training and Exercise
As an offspring of two intelligent and trainable dog breeds, it’s no wonder the Golden Dachshund learns things quickly if motivated. However, due to its stubborn personality, you might find training a little hard for your pup.
The best way to control this is to keep your dog engaged and motivated by rewarding it with praises and treats, as it responds well to positive reinforcements.
Aside from obedience training and housebreaking, the most important training for your Golden Dox is early socialization. This is to ensure it hones its friendly nature so that it gets along perfectly with people and other pets.
Moreover, regular exercise is also essential for the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix’s overall well-being. This prevents a lot of possible health problems, including obesity and mobility issues.
Further, its intelligence and energy need release, so physical and mental stimulation are important in everyday life.
Come up with different activities for your Golden Dox, such as playing fetch, walking to the park, hiking, and playing with kids.
Having a large yard or space in your house where it can run freely will also help meet its activity needs.
If the activity requirements are not met, the Golden Doxie tends to develop unwanted behaviors, like chewing on furniture and digging, as a way to release its pent-up energy.
How Much Does a Golden Dachshund Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price range of the Golden Dachshund is between $700 and $1,300. This cost depends on several factors, such as the age of the pup, its lineage, and the breeder’s reputation. You can also opt to adopt from rescues, which only cost around $100 to $550.
Aside from the puppy prices or adoption fees, there are also other expenses you need to consider. This includes one-time purchases like food bowls, beds, and crates and recurring expenses like food and medications.
Refer to the table below for the summary of the initial costs of owning a Dachshund Golden Retriever mix puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $60 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
Apart from the expenses listed on the table, it’s also best to set aside a budget for your Golden Dachshund’s emergency fund in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Places to Find Golden Dachshund Puppies for Sale and Adoption
As Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds are both highly popular dog breeds, it won’t be difficult for you to find a Golden Dox for sale. You can find several Golden Dachshund breeders on any pet advertising website.
To help you out, here’s a list of websites or places where you can find a Dachshund Golden Retriever mix for sale:
- AKC Marketplace – This marketplace is run by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They list puppies from their accredited breeders, so you can be sure your potential puppy is high quality. Connect with the breeders in this marketplace to find out if any of them raises a Dachshund Golden Retriever mix.
- Greenfield Puppies – This dog advertising website connects healthy puppies with caring families. They visit breeders in person to ensure they don’t practice inhumane breeding methods and require them to keep puppies up to date on vaccinations and deworming. They offer a variety of puppy selections, including Golden Doxies.
- Lancaster Puppies – This online database aims to match breeders with potential dog owners. They have thousands of puppies on their website, including the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix. They provide criteria for their breeders but still encourage puppy finders to visit their potential puppy personally.
However, if you want to adopt, there are also reputable rescues and shelters you can connect with. Adopting is not only practical, but it also helps save a dog’s life.
Here’s a list of websites where you can find a Golden Retriever Dachshund mix for adoption:
- Adopt-a-Pet – This dog advertising website offers a large selection of pets for adoption, including dogs of various breeds. They match shelters, rescuers, and private owners with potential new owners to help rehome pets. You can browse their listings to see if they have an available Golden Dox looking for a forever home.
- As Good As Gold – Operating since 2003, this non-profit rescue organization specializes in rescuing, caring for, and adopting Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes like the Golden Dox. They assess potential homes through in-person visits to ensure the best match for their dogs.
- Dachshund Adoption, Rescue, and Education, Inc. (DARE) – This rescue organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming displaced and unwanted Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes, including the Golden Doxie. They procure temporary foster homes for rescued Doxies where care is provided until they are rehomed.
If these websites don’t foster a Golden Dox at the time of your checking, you can also communicate with reputable breeders and rescues on Facebook and Instagram.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Golden Dachshund
Owning a Golden Retriever Dachshund mix has its pros and cons. Before taking one home, make sure to evaluate these in order to prevent a mismatch between you and the Golden Dox.
Here’s a list of advantages of owning a Dachshund Golden Retriever mix:
- Great family companion: Due to its affectionate, loyal, and playful personality, the Golden Dachshund would be a perfect companion for any family. With early socialization and proper training, this pup also gets along well with children and other pets.
- Unique appearance: Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers both have distinctive appearances. When their genes are mixed, the Golden Doxie offspring will have a unique look that’s easy to recognize as a combination of both breeds.
- Generally healthy and has a long life expectancy: As a mixed breed, the Golden Wiener is only susceptible to a few health issues, provided that it constantly receives proper love and care. This makes it have a longer lifespan compared to its purebred parents.
Meanwhile, here’s a list of disadvantages of owning a Golden Retriever Dachshund mix:
- Can be stubborn: The Golden Wiener tends to be stubborn, making training a little difficult for owners. However, this can be addressed through positive reinforcement and early training.
- High-maintenance: The Golden Dox has a lot of requirements in terms of grooming, training, and exercise. It’s best suited for experienced pet owners who can satisfy their coat care needs, physical and mental stimulation requirements, and training demands.
- Traits are hard to predict: The traits of a Golden Dachshund are difficult to predict, such as its full-grown size, appearance, or temperament. These can vary depending on what genes it inherits from both parents.
It’s extremely important to consider these pros and cons to determine whether the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix fits your lifestyle, personality, and preference for pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Golden Dachshunds Good Dogs?
Although they may be stubborn at times, Golden Dachshunds are generally good dogs. As mixed breeds, they inherit all the best traits of Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds.
Do Golden Retriever Dachshund Mixes Shed?
Golden Retriever Dachshund mixes shed all year round. However, the amount of shedding will depend on the type of Dachshund parent.
If a long-haired Dachshund is bred with the Golden Retriever, the Golden Doxie will shed moderately. Otherwise, it will only be a light-shedder.
Are Dachshund Golden Retriever Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Dachshund Golden Retriever mixes are not hypoallergenic. They shed either lightly or moderately throughout the year. Hence, they may not be a good choice for people allergic to dog dander.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is a unique and lovable crossbreed that combines the best traits of both Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers. It’s a devoted and loving companion that brings joy to any household.
However, owning one comes with a lot of responsibilities, so it’s important to make sure that the Golden Dox is the right dog for you.
Carefully weigh its pros and cons before bringing it home to avoid getting mismatched with your chosen canine companion.
Hopefully, you have learned a thing or two in this mixed-breed guide. Have you decided if the Dachshund Golden Retriever mix fits your definition of a perfect companion? Share your thoughts in the comments!
